Kealia trail was challenging in it’s own way. Completely different from the past few hikes we’ve done but beautiful all the same. We were very blessed to have a crystal clear day to enjoy the views of both the north and the west shores of the island.
We met at our usual rendezvous point at 8am and started the trek to Wailua amongst the morning traffic. Once you arrive at Dillingham airfield, pass the endless green chain link fence on your left until you are able to pull into a driveway towards the end where we were able to park in a relatively safe and somewhat monitored lot. The trailhead was a brief walk up the gravel road towards the mountains.
The real “hiking” of the trip would be the first ascent up the switchbacks. Our research told us to expect 19 switchbacks in all, but we lost count halfway through. Military teams swarmed down the rocky terrain and one team member suspiciously whispered to Joy “stop while you can” as he passed. You would be disarmed in our team for such a show of mild sauce. We kept trekking on. Views along this point of the hike were incredible, you could see the entire expanse of the North Shore, Dillingham airfield, and most importantly how high we had climbed so far.
After a couple water and blunt breaks we reached the bench in the iron wood groove at the top of the hill, marking the end of the switchbacks and the start of the “gradual” ascent to the lookout of Makua Valley. The rest of the hike included a dirt/gravel/tortuous access road that alternated between breath catching hills and Jorden screaming at me for lying about the next turn. We were guided by the occasional sticks strategically placed into the shape of an arrow that confirmed which way to turn next.
At this point there weren’t many lookouts that let us see our progress, however the workout we were experiencing was cause for most of the discussions of the same topic: where are we going to eat lunch…?
After numerous powerwalks up the endless heartbusting hills we entered into Hunting Country, which soon lead us to the end of the trail and the lookout to Makua Valley. Please be aware, the end of the trail is not marked. We were unsure if this was the end of our adventure due to the appearance of a trail leading both right and left from the lookout. We explored a little left and eventually concluded that this was a portion of the Makua Valley Rim trail.
Hungry and excited to be now doing all the previously up-hills backward, we started to book it back to the school van. Much easier, but still challenging for the knees, we were able to get back to the parking lot in a little over 1 hour.
What we learned from this hike: bring plenty of water, DO NOT bring the weight vest, Christmas Berry grooves are not a good motivation for reaching the top, and 2,000 feet elevation does not mean a “gradual incline”.
Sunnyside Café is located in the middle of Wahiawa town just past the General hospital. An ol’ school diner that very apparently is a local hangout. Specializing in pies and breakfast plates, Sunnyside also has daily specials that include hamburger steak, chicken cutlet, and loco moco. Personally the homemade burger patties were what made my day…but I will also comment on the wonderful feeling of having lunch served on a real plate! No sir, no takeout boxes to be eaten out of here…you actually put your plate in a bus bin after you’re done (hence the many comments of why we can’t do this at our work?). All in all, great home cooked food for pretty cheap and you can even take a pie home for $9 (Alika).
- See you next Tuesday!
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